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Policy Manual
ADOPTIONS
Selection of Adoptive Family

 48-14-4
Foster Parent Adoption

If the Decision Is to Adopt If the decision is made by the Permanency Planning Team that the foster parents are going to adopt, the adoption process needs to be explained in detail as follows:

•the process of freeing the child for adoption, and the status of the child's case within that process

•pre-adoption services and programs that are available (including training)

•the availability of post-adoption services and programs, including adoption subsidy, Non-Committed Treatment Program (NCTP), support groups, etc.

•the adoption home study/licensing process

•the special needs of the child with specific information about the child's medical and mental health history, racial and cultural identity, and the child's projected future needs

•opportunities that will be made available to the foster parents to speak to other adoptive parents and professionals who have knowledge of the adoption process and the child's special needs (e.g., child's medical or mental health care provider, parents who have adopted children with similar needs)

•the costs associated with adopting and raising this child which must be borne by the adoptive parent(s), and those with which the Department will assist.
If no Adoption but Long Term Agreement Sometimes, foster parents may wish to keep the child on a permanent basis, but are not willing to adopt. A full discussion should occur with the foster parents regarding this issue. The foster parents' commitment to the child and ability to see the child through difficulties that may be ahead must be assessed, especially during adolescence.

Long term foster care can be considered if a child is over the age of twelve (12) and has been in the foster care home for a period of five (5) years or more. A long term agreement must be developed by the Social Worker and the foster parents and approved by the Program Supervisor.

Connecticut Department of Children and Families Issued: March 1, 1994